In the lock and security device industry, traditional hard stamping methods have long been the preferred method for product identification. However, with the continuous development of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, hard stamping methods have gradually revealed their obsolescence and shortcomings. Andy Charlesworth and Richard Oldknow of OKE Industrial Corp. pointed out that although hard stamping technology has a certain historical position in the industry, its time-consuming, paperwork-intensive, product-damaging and difficult-to-read markings are becoming increasingly prominent, and a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative is urgently needed.
The disadvantages of hard stamping cannot be ignored. Not only is the process inefficient, but it can also cause product damage due to improper operation, which in turn affects the product's service life. In addition, the markings produced by hard stamping are often difficult to read, with inconsistent font sizes and blurred edges, which makes it difficult to identify and track products. More seriously, when this practice is extended to color-coded cable ties, it does not ensure that the equipment has undergone the necessary pre-use inspection, thereby increasing safety hazards.
To address these challenges, YOKE Industrial Corp. has pioneered the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) and software as a service (SaaS) technologies in the lock and security device industry. The company made a key decision several years ago to fully digitize its product range whenever feasible, rather than just testing limited RFID products. This decision not only aligns with YOKE’s broader mission to improve safety and streamline testing processes, but also prepares for the upcoming EU Machinery Regulation.
The EU Machinery Regulation will take effect in January 2027 and will replace the existing Machinery Directive. The new regulation requires original product certifications and manuals to be available in digital form, marking the industry’s move toward a more environmentally friendly and paperless future. YOKE has overcome the challenges of applying RFID technology to the lock industry by integrating RFID chips that support near-field communication (NFC). Its innovative BlueSupra tag is equipped with a SupraNano RFID chip that can be pressed directly into steel or applied to products through a retrofit method, and is rigorously tested to ensure reliability even in harsh environments.
RFID technology combined with SaaS from providers like RiConnect brings unprecedented convenience to users. Users can easily access detailed information about the equipment, including the product's unique identification number, brand name, registration date, and documentation, by simply scanning the tag with their smartphone. This not only ensures that all important data is readily available for safety and regulatory compliance, but also greatly improves work efficiency and accuracy.
The benefits of RFID technology are not limited to product identification. It also solves key challenges related to inspection and reporting. Using RFID technology, each item can be easily tracked, ensuring that inspection results are accurately recorded and defects are effectively resolved. As inspection companies gradually abandon the traditional paper and pen method and equip employees with mobile devices, RFID provides inspectors with a valuable tool, reducing the time spent deciphering hard stamps and improving the accuracy and speed of inspections.
The adoption of RFID and SaaS solutions has brought far-reaching benefits to the lock and security device industry. These digital technologies not only eliminate the risks associated with hard stamping, such as damage, readability issues, and logistics challenges during the inspection process, but also provide strong support for industry standardization and overcoming adoption barriers. As machinery regulations take effect and the industry continues to evolve, companies like YOKE Industrial Corp. will lead the industry toward more advanced, safer, and digitally integrated methods of equipment safety and regulatory compliance. In the future, RFID technology is expected to play a greater role in the lock and security equipment industry, driving the industry towards a more intelligent, efficient and environmentally friendly direction.
This paper is from Ulink Media, Shenzhen, China, the organizer of IOTE EXPO (IoT Expo in China)
